Head of European Parliament Office addresses Oireachtas Committee on European Affairs

Francis Jacobs, the Head of the European Parliament Office in Ireland, will today address the Oireachtas Committee on European Affairs on relations between the European Parliament and national parliaments, the role of the European Parliament Office in Ireland and the ways in which the European Parliament Office can work with the Oireachtas in this area. Mr Jacobs will emphasise the increase in the legislative role of the European Parliament since the Lisbon Treaty came into force, mentioning examples such as the importance of European Parliament votes now in areas such as the Common Agricultural Policy and the Common Fisheries Policy. He will refer to the role of national parliaments in examining EU legislation. Speaking ahead of today's meeting, Mr Jacobs said that 'our office has an important role in informing Irish people about the activities of the European Parliament. The increased powers of the European Parliament have led to an increase in the questions the office receives from members of the public, interest groups, schools and the media. We look forward to working with Minister Creighton and with the Chairperson and members of the Oireachtas Committee on European Affairs.'